The Winston County Self Help Cooperative’s fall crop is being challenged by adverse weather conditions. August represents the dog days of summer, and the weather has been excessively hot and muggy over the past three weeks. Farmers’ service ponds are being depleted due to the heat and lack of measurable rainfall. Winston County has received scattered rain showers in recent days. The long-range weather forecast indicates a transition toward cooler temperatures and increased rainfall at the beginning of September.
Alonzo Miller, the Cooperative’s farm manager, stated:
“The fall crop is surviving under wilting temperatures. We are irrigating daily to keep the plants alive. If this weather pattern continues without a reprieve in the next seven days, it could be a horrible omen for the current crop of peas and squash.
“We placed an order for the transplants today, Friday, August 21, 2026. The plants should arrive by September 4. I tilled the soil and made rows for the transplants. We should receive substantial rainfall within the next couple of weeks. This would expedite the transplanting of the collard greens and cabbage plants.”
